Bandaje Falls

Bandaje Falls or Bandaje-Arbi Waterfall is located in the Charmadi Ghat section of the Western Ghats in the Belthangady Taluk of Dakshina Kannada District, Karnataka. The Bandje Waterfalls offer a superb view and it flows as a single stream and falls from approximately 400 meters between the valleys of Western Ghats. The stream then join river Nethravathi as a single stream. It then flows as one of the tributaries of River Nethravati. It is believed that the falls is situated 700 metres above the sea level. Another major attraction in Bandaje is an ancient fort, Ballala Rayana Durga, which is about two hour trek from the waterfall. The fort was built by Hoysala Kings and was plundered later. At present the fort is in a dilapidated condition, nevertheless visitors throng to watch this remains of the bygone era.

How to get Bandaje Falls

Nearest airport is Mangalore International Airport at Bajpe and nearest railway station is Mangalore. Bandaje Waterfalls is located at a distance of 25 Km from a small town called Ujire. You need to travel 6 Km towards Charmadi Ghat from Ujire, then take left at Somanthadka and proceed another 6 Km. Then take right turn and travel for 2 Km and reach a place called Kadirudyavara. From this place you will need to trek for approximately 10 Km to reach the Bandaje Waterfall.

Picture Gallery of Bandaje Falls

Trekking in Bandaje

Bandaje, which is a part of the Charmadi Ghat. One has to reach Kadirudyavara near Somanthadka village from where the real trekking journey will begin.Bandaje hill is one of the toughest trekking spot in Belthangady taluk for the difficult terrain one has to cross to go to the top of the hill. It has steep on one side and the trekkers will have to pass through the thick forest and grasslands. The trekking route literally tests the trekkers’ strength and determination, for many trekkers who plan to reach the hill top drop the idea half way through considering the long and tough route ahead.

It is almost 15 kilometer journey to reach the hill top from the basement. A spectacular visual treat of Bandaje Waterfalls on the mid-way offering relaxation to the trekking enthusiasts. In fact, several trekkers trek on Bandaje only to view the amazing beauty of Bandaje falls. On the way to the falls, one will find a stream formed by the water generated from the waterfall. Though it is easy to cross the stream after November, one has to slog a little to cross it during the rainy season. One has to trek for four to five hours to reach the base of the waterfall.

The trekking journey will be more complicated further as one moves towards the source of Bandaje fall. For those who wish to trek till the hill top, it is always better to put up a camp and stay atop the hill in the night. The long journey to reach the hill top, does not allow the trekkers to return back and reach the base on the same day. The village guides are also available to lead the trekkers. They charge anywhere between Rs 300 to Rs 500.

Best Time to Visits Bandaje Falls

The month between November to March is the best time to visit as the route will be less slippery and the waterfall too will have plenty of water.